Pubdate: Fri, 03 Jan 1997
Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)
Author: Gerald M. Sutliff

Dear Editor,

Kudos to you and Contra Costa Times for your editorial reminding the
federal government that the people of California have spoke on medical
marijuana and it is time the feds to butt out.

My minor quibble is with the use of the term "prescribe."  Doctors cannot
prescribe marijuana because pharmacists are not allowed to dispense it. A
recommendation, under Proposition 215 whether written or oral, is a
communication to law enforcement, local and state. It is not a violation of
federal controlled proscription authority. If a doctor dispenses
"recommendations" in an irresponsible manner and thereby violates his
Hippocratic oath it would be the duty of the State of California or the
appropriate authority in California (not the federal government which does
not issue medical licenses) to revoke said doctor's license to practice
medicine.

Very truly yours
Gerald M. Sutliff
Walnut Creek, CA